Ponies, miniatures, and younger equids are at higher risk of fecalith obstruction compared to a general colic population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine breed, age, and sex predispositions for fecalith obstruction and to evaluate short-term survival and prognostic factors following surgical treatment of fecalith intestinal obstruction in equids. ANIMALS: 151 equids. METHODS: Medical records of equids undergoing surgery for fecalith obstruction from 2000 to 2020 were reviewed. Signalment, history, presenting clinicopathological data, surgical findings, complications, and short-term survival were recorded and compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Signalment of the fecalith population was compared to a contemporaneous colic population. Clinical factors were assessed for association with outcome. RESULTS: 64 females, 53 castrated males, and 31 intact males were included. Three equids presented twice. Miniature horses, ponies, and miniature donkeys/mules represented 48% (71/148) of fecalith population and full-sized breeds represented 52% (77/148). Miniature horses and ponies were overrepresented and equids ≤ 1 year of age were overrepresented in the fecalith population compared to the colic population. One hundred thirty-nine equids (92%) survived to discharge, 6% (9/148) were euthanized intraoperatively, and 2% (3/148) were euthanized during hospitalization. Nonsurvivors showed more severe colic signs on admission, tachycardia on admission, and hyperlipemia. Equids with postoperative colic (P = .01) and complications (P = .002) were less likely to survive. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Miniature horses and ponies were overrepresented compared to the colic population; however, full-sized breeds were also affected. Surgical treatment had an excellent short-term prognosis. Severe colic signs, tachycardia, hyperlipemia, postoperative colic, and surgical complications negatively affected short-term survival.

Evaluation of gallbladder motility assessed by ultrasonography in dogs with hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of gallbladder (GB) mucoceles in dogs is unknown. It has been proposed that hyperlipidemia could impair GB motility and contribute to GB mucocele formation. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare GB motility in dogs with hyperlipidemia to control dogs using ultrasonography. We hypothesized that hyperlipidemic dogs will have decreased GB motility compared with controls. ANIMALS: Twenty-six hyperlipidemic and 28 healthy, age-matched control dogs were prospectively enrolled. METHODS: Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured in all dogs. Hyperlipidemia was defined as hypercholesterolemia (>332 mg/dL) and/or hypertriglyceridemia (>143 mg/dL) using a biochemical analyzer. Ultrasound was performed before feeding, and 60 and 120 minutes after ingestion of a high fat diet. Gallbladder volumes (GBV) and ejection fractions (EF) were calculated. RESULTS: Hyperlipidemic dogs had significantly larger GBVs (ml/kg) before feeding and 60 minutes after feeding of 1.2 (0.4-7.5; P = .008) and 0.6 (0.1-7.2; P = .04) compared with controls 0.6 (0.2-2.6) and 0.4 (0.1-1.9), respectively. Severely hyperlipidemic dogs had significantly larger GBV at baseline, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes of 1.7 (0.6-7.5; P = .03), 1.3 (0.4-7.2; P = .02), and 1.3 (0.2-8.2; P = .04), respectively compared with mildly hyperlipidemic dogs. EFs at 60 and 120 minutes between controls, hyperlipidemic, and severely hyperlipidemic were all 0.3 at 60 minutes and 0.5, 0.3, and 0.3 at 120 minutes, respectively which were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Hyperlipidemia leads to GB distention in dogs which could lead to retention of bile and gallbladder disease.

Does postprandial lipemia interfere with blood gas analysis and assessment of acid-base status in dogs?

To evaluate the interference of postprandial lipemia on blood gas parameters and to assess the acid-base status by the quantitative approach of the strong ion model blood samples of 15 healthy dogs were collected during fasting (0 h) and at one (1 h), three (3 h) and five (5 h) hours after the induction of lipemia with a hypercaloric diet. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were used to assess lipemia and these were correlated with the parameters evaluated accordingly. Anion gap decreased at 5 h without correlation with TC and TG, whereas other parameters measured by the blood gasometer did not change. In the evaluation of the acid base state, the apparent strong ion difference (SIDa) and the strong ion gap (SIG) showed a decrease at 5 h without correlation with lipemia. Lipid levels correlated with the effective strong ion difference (SIDe), the concentration of total non-volatile weak acids (Atot), albumin, phosphate, and magnesium. The SIDe increased at 1 h and at 3 h; the Atot at 1 h, 3 h, and 5 h; albumin increased at 1 h and 3 h; phosphate increased at 1 h, 3 h and 5 h; and magnesium decreased at 5 h. Though postprandial lipemia does not interfere with blood gas analysis, it can cause errors in the variables used to assess the acid-base status, which are dependent on biochemical analytes. Therefore, caution is required when interpreting electrolyte disturbances that result from the postprandial state.

HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND XANTHOMATOSIS IN YELLOW-FOOTED ROCK WALLABIES (PETROGALE XANTHOPUS) UNDER MANAGED CARE.

Xanthomas are localized lipid deposits in organs with associated granulomatous inflammation. Xanthomatosis is a rare condition in both human and veterinary medicine and is often linked to inherited or acquired dyslipidemias. Three female yellow-footed rock wallabies (Petrogale xanthopus) at a single institution were diagnosed via biopsy with cutaneous xanthomas secondary to hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, and an additional two female yellow-footed rock wallabies were diagnosed with xanthomas at a second institution. All cases presented with cutaneous masses at the haired skin and paw pad junctions of the extremities, and/or mucocutaneous junctions of the face or urogenital tract. The clinically affected individuals were overconditioned or obese, had lipemic serum, and had elevations in blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. When full lipid panels were performed, inverse high- and low-density lipoprotein fractions were observed. Six other individuals at the first institution had identical husbandry but were of more appropriate body condition, were normolipidemic, and had no xanthomas. One of the affected animals was also concurrently diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis via liver biopsy. Pedigree review and evaluation for underlying endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism were performed. Because all affected animals were found to be related, a genetic predisposition is possible but requires further investigation. Consideration for the predisposition of some individuals for obesity, hyperlipidemia, and subsequent xanthoma formation should be factored in the husbandry and medical management of this species.

Performance, meat quality, and lipidemia of meat-type quails fed with diets containing essential oils / Desempenho, qualidade da carne e lipidemia de codornas de corte alimentadas com rações contendo óleos essenciais

This study evaluated the effect of essential oil (ESOL) of Mentha piperita and Melaleuca alternifolia on meat-type quails. To examine performance, a completely randomized design was used, with four treatments and eight repetitions each, using seven birds per repetition. To assess lipidemia, a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme was used, with four treatments and two collection conditions using eight repetitions and one bird per repetition. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, carcass yield, cholesterol, high-density lipoporteins, triglycerides, pH, and brightness of quail breast meat were assessed. The data were analyzed for homoscedasticity and normality, and the means were subjected to analysis of variance. Adding M. piperita and M. alternifolia ESOL to the diets of meat-type quails can improve performance, carcass yield, and meat quality characteristics, comparable to the use of performance-enhancing antibiotics. The use of zinc bacitracin, M. piperita, and M. alternifolia under different collection conditions did not increase the serum levels of low-density and very low-density lipoproteins. The variation coefficients measured after 12 hours of fasting were 86% lower than without fasting.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o efeito do uso dos óleos essenciais (OLES) de Mentha piperita e Melaleuca alternifolia em codornas de corte. Para o estudo do desempenho foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatrotratamentos e oito repetições, sendo sete aves por repetição. Para o estudo da lipidemia utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial: 4x2, consistindo em quatro tratamentos e duas condições de coleta, com oito repetições, sendo uma ave por repetição. As variáveis analisadas foram: ganho de peso, consumo ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça, colesterol, HDL, triglicerídeos, pH, capacidade de retenção de água, perda de peso por cozimento, luminosidade na carne do peito de codornas. Os dados obtidos foram analisados quanto à homocedasticidade e normalidade, as médias foram submetidas à análise de variância. O uso de OLES de M. piperita e M. alternifolia na dieta de codornas de corte pode proporcionar desempenhos zootécnicos, rendimentos de carcaça e características de qualidade da carne comparáveis ao uso de antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho. A redução no nível de colesterol HDL foi notada nas aves tratadas com Bacitracina de zinco e com os OLES de M. piperita e M. alternifolia, em 8,12; 16,52 e 3,36% respectivamente. O uso da Bacitracina de zinco, da M. piperita e da M. alternifolia associado às diferentes condições de coleta não aumentaram os valores séricos de LDL, VLDL. Os coeficientes de variação aferidos na condição "após 12 horas de jejum" apresentaram-se 86% inferiores à condição "sem jejum".

A novel chicken model of fatty liver disease induced by high cholesterol and low choline diets.

Fatty liver diseases, common metabolic diseases in chickens, can lead to a decrease in egg production and sudden death of chickens. To solve problems caused by the diseases, reliable chicken models of fatty liver disease are required. To generate chicken models of fatty liver, 7-week-old ISA female chickens were fed with a control diet (17% protein, 5.3% fat, and 1,300 mg/kg choline), a low protein and high fat diet (LPHF, 13% protein, 9.1% fat, and 1,300 mg/kg choline), a high cholesterol with low choline diet (CLC, 17% protein, 7.6% fat with additional 2% cholesterol, and 800 mg/kg choline), a low protein, high fat, high cholesterol, and low choline diet (LPHFCLC, 13% protein, 12.6% fat with additional 2% cholesterol, and 800 mg/kg choline) for 4 wk. Our data showed that the CLC and LPHFCLC diets induced hyperlipidemia. Histological examination and the content of hepatic lipids indicated that the CLC and LPHFCLC diets induced hepatic steatosis. Plasma dipeptidyl peptidase 4, a biomarker of fatty liver diseases in laying hens, increased in chickens fed with the CLC or LPHFCLC diets. Hepatic ballooning and immune infiltration were observed in these livers accompanied by elevated interleukin 1 beta and lipopolysaccharide induced tumor necrosis factor mRNAs suggesting that the CLC and LPHFCLC diets also caused steatohepatitis in these livers. These diets also induced hepatic steatosis in Plymouth Rock chickens. Thus, the CLC and LPHFCLC diets can be used to generate models for fatty liver diseases in different strains of chickens. In ISA chickens fed with the CLC diet, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1, and fatty acid synthase mRNAs increased in the livers, suggesting that lipogenesis was enhanced by the CLC treatment. Our data show that treatment with CLC or LPHFCLC for 4 wk induces fatty liver disease in chickens. These diets can be utilized to rapidly generate chicken models for fatty liver research.

Partial analytical validation of the VetScan cPL rapid test.

BACKGROUND: Serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentrations have become the standard laboratory test used to diagnose canine pancreatitis. Recently, a new point-of-care assay for cPLI, the VetScan cPL rapid test (VetScan cPL), has become available, but analytical validation data have not yet been published. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform a partial analytical validation of the VetScan cPL. METHODS: Leftover serum samples from a diagnostic laboratory were used. Adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines, linearity, repeatability, and reproducibility were evaluated. Results of the VetScan cPL were correlated with the Spec cPL results. RESULTS: Observed-to-expected ratios for dilutional parallelism ranged from 77.4% to 162.9% (mean 119.3%). Intra-assay and inter-assay variabilities ranged from 16.9% to 36.7% (mean 25.1%) and from 14.1% to 51.2% (mean 31.8%), respectively. Adherence to the manufacturer's specification regarding results within ± 60 µg/L of the Spec cPL result was only achieved for 39% of the measurements. The VetScan cPL and Spec cPL correlation showed a Spearman's r of .758 for 29 data pairs. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, the VetScan cPL did not adhere to the manufacturer's specifications for most measurements. Also, the VetScan cPL showed suboptimal linearity and was not precise. In conclusion, the VetScan cPL failed basic analytical validation.

Effect of clinical signs, endocrinopathies, timing of surgery, hyperlipidemia, and hyperbilirubinemia on outcome in dogs with gallbladder mucocele.

Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is a common extra-hepatic biliary syndrome in dogs with death rates ranging from 7 to 45%. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the association of survival with variables that could be utilized to improve clinical decisions. A total of 1194 dogs with a gross and histopathological diagnosis of GBM were included from 41 veterinary referral hospitals in this retrospective study. Dogs with GBM that demonstrated abnormal clinical signs had significantly greater odds of death than subclinical dogs in a univariable analysis (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.14-8.23; P<0.001). The multivariable model indicated that categorical variables including owner recognition of jaundice (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.19-3.77; P=0.011), concurrent hyperadrenocorticism (OR 1.94; 95% CI, 1.08-3.47; P=0.026), and Pomeranian breed (OR, 2.46; 95% CI 1.10-5.50; P=0.029) were associated with increased odds of death, and vomiting was associated with decreased odds of death (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.30-0.72; P=0.001). Continuous variables in the multivariable model, total serum/plasma bilirubin concentration (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P<0.001) and age (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08-1.26; P<0.001), were associated with increased odds of death. The clinical utility of total serum/plasma bilirubin concentration as a biomarker to predict death was poor with a sensitivity of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.54-0.69) and a specificity of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.59-0.66). This study identified several prognostic variables in dogs with GBM including total serum/plasma bilirubin concentration, age, clinical signs, concurrent hyperadrenocorticism, and the Pomeranian breed. The presence of hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus did not impact outcome in this study.

Lipemic uveitis and its etiologies in dogs: 75 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical features of dogs with lipemic uveitis (LU). ANIMALS STUDIED: Seventy-five dogs (114 eyes) with LU. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs examined by the Cornell University ophthalmology service with a clinical diagnosis of LU between 2008 and 2017 were analyzed. Signalment and clinical case aspects, including concurrent ocular disease, systemic disease, and previous ophthalmic surgery, were recorded. RESULTS: Lipemic uveitis was diagnosed in 114 eyes of 75 dogs. The mean (±standard deviation) age of dogs was 9.0 years (±2.7 years). Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers were statistically overrepresented compared to the ophthalmology canine referral population. Lipemic flare varied in severity with loss of menace response due to markedly opaque flare seen in 15/114 eyes (13%). Two dogs developed LU after dietary indiscretion. Forty-nine eyes (43%) had concurrent ocular disease, most commonly keratoconjunctivitis sicca, ulcerative keratitis, and cataracts. Pseudophakia was present in 75/114 eyes (66%) and LU developed within 30 days of an intraocular surgical procedure in 63/114 eyes (55%). Hypertriglyceridemia was noted in 52 dogs of the 55 dogs tested (95%). Systemic disease affected 54/75 dogs (72%), of which diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, and hypothyroidism were overrepresented compared to the referral population. Primary hyperlipidemia was identified in 12 dogs. Lipemic uveitis resolved at first reevaluation in 92/110 eyes (84%) and recurred in 6/114 eyes (5%) after complete resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Development of lipemic uveitis in dogs appears to require the combination of hyperlipidemia and uveitis. Systemic disease is commonly associated with LU in dogs.

Associations between serum leptin levels, hyperlipidemia, and cholelithiasis in dogs.

Leptin and its receptor play several physiological roles in the canine gallbladder, and the dysregulation of leptin might play a role in the pathogenesis of gallbladder diseases such as gallbladder mucocele. Previous studies revealed a positive association between hyperlipidemia and gallstones in humans. However, the latter is still unclear in dogs with cholelithiasis. In this study, we examined the differences in leptin, leptin receptor, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels between healthy dogs and dogs with cholelithiasis, and evaluated the correlation between leptin and hyperlipidemia. Twenty-eight healthy dogs and 34 client-owned dogs with cholelithiasis were enrolled in the study. Leptin concentrations and lipid profiles were determined from sera, and leptin and leptin receptor expression levels were quantified in gallbladder tissue. In dogs with cholelithiasis, serum concentrations of leptin (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), and triglycerides (p < 0.001) were significantly higher compared with those in healthy dogs. Positive correlations were observed between serum leptin and total cholesterol (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61-0.89, r = 0.725, p < 0.001), and between leptin and triglycerides (95% CI = 0.63-0.89, r = 0.782, p < 0.001) in the cholelithiasis group. Hypercholesterolemia (Odds Ratio (OR) = 9.720; 95% CI = 1.148-82.318) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 12.913; 95% CI = 1.548-107.722) were shown to be risk factors for gallstone disease. In cholelithiasis patients who underwent cholecystectomy, serum leptin levels were significantly higher than in patients that had not undergone surgery (p < 0.001). Leptin and leptin receptor expression was upregulated in the gallbladder tissues of cholelithiasis patients (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). These results indicate that increased serum leptin concentrations and hyperlipidemia (hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia) are associated with canine cholelithiasis and that homeostatic imbalance of these parameters might affect the pathogenesis of gallstones.

Nutrient Restriction Increases Circulating and Hepatic Ceramide in Dairy Cows Displaying Impaired Insulin Tolerance.

The progression of insulin resistance in dairy cows represents a maternal adaptation to support milk production during heightened energy demand; however, excessive adipose tissue lipolysis can develop. In diabetic non-ruminants, the mechanisms that mediate insulin resistance involve the sphingolipid ceramide. We tested the hypothesis that ceramide accumulates in dairy cows experiencing lipolysis and insulin resistance. Nine dairy cows were utilized in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Cows were ad libitum fed, nutrient-restricted (NR), or NR with nicotinic acid (NA; 5 mg of NA/h per kg BW; delivered i.v.) for 34 h. When provided access, cows were ad libitum fed a mixed ration of grass hay and ground corn to meet requirements. Intake for NR cows was limited to vitamins and minerals. Nicotinic acid was administered to suppress lipolysis. Saline was infused in cows not provided NA. At 32 and 33 h of treatment, a liver biopsy and insulin tolerance test were performed, respectively. Samples were analyzed using colorimetry, immunoassay, and mass spectrometry. Nutrient restriction increased serum fatty acids and ceramide levels, and impaired insulin sensitivity; however, NA infusion was unable to prevent these responses. We also show that NR increases hepatic ceramide accumulation, a response that was positively associated with serum ceramide supply. Our data demonstrate that circulating and hepatic 24:0-Cer are inversely associated with systemic insulin tolerance, an effect not observed for the 16:0 moiety. In conclusion, our results suggest that ceramide accrual represents a metabolic adaptation to nutrient restriction and impaired insulin action in dairy cows.

Evaluation of buprenorphine hydrochloride Pluronic(®) gel formulation in male C57BL/6NCrl mice.

Providing adequate analgesia while minimizing handling and stress post-surgery can be challenging. Recently, there have been commercial products made available for providing long acting analgesia in rodents. However, we find there are limitations for use in mice due to the viscosity of the product and the small dosing volumes needed. This project evaluated an in-house compounded formulation of buprenorphine easily made in the laboratory using pharmaceutical grade products. The release of buprenorphine was evaluated when compounded with two types of hydrogels (Pluronic(®) F-127 and F-68). Mice given buprenorphine in hydrogel (BP) demonstrated higher serum levels of buprenorphine for a longer period of time compared to mice given standard buprenorphine (Bup). However, the rate of decline in serum levels between the groups was similar; thus, it is more likely that the higher buprenorphine concentration seen in the BP group is due to the higher dose of buprenorphine given, rather than a slower release of product. Feed consumption was decreased in both groups one day after dosing; however, there was no difference in body weights. Increased activity in the open field was observed with both buprenorphine formulations, and lipemia was observed in mice given BP which persisted to at least 96 h. Based on our results, we conclude that this formulation did not sustain the release of buprenorphine or eliminate the increased activity commonly seen in mice given buprenorphine. In addition, the lipemia may confound research parameters, especially in cardiac studies and lipid metabolism studies. Therefore, we cannot recommend this formulation for use.

Experimental hyperlipidemia induces insulin resistance in sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous infusion of a soybean-based lipid emulsion on some blood energy-related metabolites and insulin sensitivity indexes in sheep. Four clinically healthy ewes were assigned into a 2-treatment, 2-period cross-over design. Either normal saline (NS) or lipid emulsion (LE) was intravenously introduced at a rate of 0.025 mL·kg(-1) min(-1) for 6 h. The concentrations of blood nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate, triglyceride, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, cortisol, glucose, and insulin were measured at different time points. After 6 h, intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed. Lipid infusion elicited an increase (P < 0.05) in the NEFA, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and triglyceride concentrations compared with the baseline value and NS infusion. Infusion of NS did not influence blood glucose concentration; however, LE infusion increased plasma glucose concentration (P < 0.05). At time point 12 h, serum insulin concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) in NS treatment; however, such an increase was not observed in the LE treatment. Insulin sensitivity index for the LE infusion was lower (P < 0.05) than that for the NS treatment. The glucose effectiveness was not (P > 0.05) different among treatments. In the LE treatment, acute-phase insulin responses increased (P < 0.05) and disposition index decreased (P < 0.001) compared with NS treatment. The results showed that experimentally induced NEFA in blood could cause insulin resistance in sheep. The current model could be used to evaluate the pathogenesis of conditions associated with increased lipid mobilization and insulin resistance.

The association between gall bladder mucoceles and hyperlipidaemia in dogs: a retrospective case control study.

The diagnosis of gall bladder mucoceles (GM) in dogs has become increasingly frequent in veterinary medicine. Primary breed-specific hyperlipidaemia is reported in Shetland Sheepdogs and Miniature Schnauzers, breeds in which GM are known to occur more frequently than in other breeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between GM and hyperlipidaemia in dogs. The study design was a retrospective case control study. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with GM at the Veterinary Medical Centre of The University of Tokyo between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2012, were reviewed. Fifty-eight dogs with GM and a record of either serum cholesterol, triglyceride, or glucose concentrations were included in the study. Hypercholesterolaemia (15/37 cases; odds ratio [OR]: 2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-8.36) and hypertriglyceridaemia (13/24 cases; OR: 3.55; 95% CI:1.12-15.91) showed significant association with GM. Pomeranians (OR: 10.69), American Cocker Spaniels (OR: 8.94), Shetland Sheepdogs (OR: 6.21), Miniature Schnauzers (OR: 5.23), and Chihuahuas (OR: 3.06) were significantly predisposed to GM. Thirty-nine out of 58 cases had at least one concurrent disease, including pancreatitis (five cases), hyperadrenocorticism (two cases), and hypothyroidism (two cases). A significant association between GM and hyperlipidaemia was confirmed, suggesting that hyperlipidaemia may play a role in the pathogenesis of GM.

Hyperlipidaemia in trypanosomiasis of naturally infected horses: possible cachexia-anorexia syndrome?

Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi commonly produces wasting disease with signs of emaciation and cachexia mainly at the end stage. The present study was conducted to explore the possible hyperlipaemia or hyperlipidaemia and its association with cachexia-anorexia in equine trypanosomiasis. Out of the fifteen confirmed animals, none of the plasma sample was opaque. There was a significant increase in plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen and a highly significant increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. A mild increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very low-density lipoprotein levels were observed, while the relative percentage of HDL and LDL was altered with high significance. A moderate increase in triglyceride and highly significant increase in LDL might be the reasons for retention of appetite and lipolysis. Possible protein breakdown and presence of lipolysis might be the reasons for cachexia in equine trypanosomiasis.

Identification and management of ocular lipid deposition in association with hyperlipidaemia in captive moray eels, Gymnothorax funebris Ranzani, Gymnothorax moringa (Cuvier) and Muraena retifera Goode and Bean.

Ocular lipid deposition and its surgical management and possible association with systemic hyperlipidaemia in captive moray eels are described. Ophthalmologic examinations, haematology and plasma biochemistry analyses were performed on an initial population of captive moray eels (n=10): green moray, Gymnothorax funebris Ranzani; spotted moray, Gymnothorax morninga (Cuvier) and reticulated moray, Muraena retifera Goode and Bean. Recently captured green moray eels comprised the control group (n=9). Clinical signs compatible with ocular lipid deposition were identified in six of ten captive eels (60%) vs. none of the controls. Green moray eels in the initial captive population (n=5) had significantly higher total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol and aspartate amino transferase values than the control eels. Dietary management was attempted in all captive eels, and surgical intervention was performed in three eels, including two from a separate population, with improved ocular clarity within 1month post-operatively. Histopathological evaluation of surgical specimens and two eyes from an additional affected eel that died suggested ocular lipid deposition. Eels in captivity have an apparent predisposition for hyperlipidaemia and ocular lipid deposition. Although limited in this study and complicated by exhibit restraints, dietary management was minimally effective, while surgery improved ocular clarity.

Analytical performance of commercially-available assays for feline insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), adiponectin and ghrelin measurements.

The objective of this study was to evaluate three commercially-available human assays for the determination of adiponectin, ghrelin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations in feline serum samples. Intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were lower than 20%, 15% and 6% for adiponectin, ghrelin and IGF-1 assays, respectively. Dilutions of feline serum pools resulted in linear regression equations in all kits. Mean recovery of adiponectin, ghrelin and IGF-1 assays were 107%, 102% and 105%, respectively. Significant differences were detected in adiponectin and ghrelin concentrations between lean and obese cats (P <0.05 in both cases), but there was no difference in IGF-1 concentrations (P = 0.12).

Preliminary post-prandial studies of Burmese cats with elevated triglyceride concentrations and/or presumed lipid aqueous.

A proportion of Burmese cats in Australia have an exaggerated post-prandial triglyceride (TG) response after an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT). The aim of this study was to determine (a) whether Burmese cats with presumed lipid aqueous (PLA) had exaggerated post-prandial triglyceridaemia, (b) if Burmese cats with exaggerated post-prandial triglyceridaemia ('affected' cats) had decreased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and (c) whether affected cats were more insulin resistant than normal Burmese cats. Of cats with a history of PLA, 4/5 were shown to be lipid intolerant (4h TG>4.5mmol/l). Four affected Burmese cats were age, gender and body condition matched to four normal Burmese cats. Serum TG, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), lipoprotein and apolipoprotein concentrations were determined 2 weeks after commencing a standardised high-protein diet, with an OFTT performed 4 weeks later. Affected Burmese cats did not have significantly different fasting insulin, fructosamine, NEFA, apolipoprotein or lipoprotein concentrations compared to control cats. During the OFTT, affected cats had significantly higher 4h and 6h serum TG and NEFA concentrations than normal cats. There was a trend for lower LPL activity, higher insulin concentrations (at 4 and 6h) and higher insulin area under the curve (AUC) during the OFTT in affected Burmese cats compared to controls, although these results failed to reach significance, probably due to the small number of cats studied. Further investigations using larger numbers of cats should focus on reduced LPL activity and insulin resistance as potential causes of delayed TG clearance.

Hepatic diseases in horses.

The concept 'liver disease' includes several pathological conditions affecting liver's functions. It can either consist of a temporary impaired functioning of the liver and/or it can progress to its failure. The purpose of this review is to update the knowledge on hepatobiliary diseases and in particular on equine hyperlipaemia. Hepatobiliary disease's aetiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and nutritional management are thus described in the first part of the review the second part being devoted to hyperlypaemia's lipid metabolism, epidemiology, clinical signs, post-mortem observations and nutritional management. Diagnosis of hepatic disease is usually based on the assessment of the serum activities while hepatic biopsy is considered as the golden standard of diagnosis of hepatic function. Nutritional management is often very useful in management of hepatic diseases: diet should be low in protein (of good biological value) and high in non-structural carbohydrates except for chronic hepatic disease (slightly high protein). Equine hyperlipaemia's mortality is around 70%. It consists of a disorder of lipid metabolism, characterized by increase in plasma triglycerides and deposition of fat on organs. From a nutritional point of view, hyperlipaemia in horses can be approached by maintaining positive energy balance, fighting dehydration and metabolic acidosis, and by the use of lipotropic factors.